Rix has better game,but Boldin still in hunt

TALLAHASSEE -- On a day when last season's Heisman Trophy winner, Chris Weinke, was honored, Florida State's current quarterback controversy remained unsettled.

Redshirt freshman Chris Rix looked like the better of two quarterbacks Saturday, completing 13 of 23 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Gold team to a 20-7 victory in the annual Garnet and Gold Game.

Junior Anquan Boldin was 8-for-17 for 101 with one interception.

Coach Bobby Bowden was pleased with both quarterbacks, and left the starting job open until fall.

"I think they line up like they have all spring, Rix would line up at No. 1 and Anquan No. 2," Bowden said.

"But I still think Anquan is in a position where he can really threaten for the position."

Boldin, who caught 41 passes for 664 yards and six touchdowns as a wide receiver last season, moved to quarterback before the start of spring practices to add depth.

Leading the first-team offense, Rix, FSU's only scholarship quarterback, showed he could make quick decisions under pressure and move the ball downfield.

In the second quarter, Rix capped a four-play, 49-yard drive by finding wide receiver Travis Smith in the back of the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown. He threw his second touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, a 9-yarder to junior Talman Gardner.

"I'm a competitor, and I'll compete with anyone who's challenging me for the position," Rix said. "I want to have the job. I want to be the man next year, so I'll keep progressing through the summer and fall."

The Garnet team took a 7-3 lead in the second quarter on running back Davy Ford's 5-yard touchdown run, which was set up by a 26-yard completion from Boldin to senior Atrews Bell.

Boldin said he will spend much of the summer in Tallahassee, studying film and trying to improve his passing mechanics.

"To me, it's still a race," Boldin said.

"They haven't named anybody No. 1 and No. 2, so right now, I think this position is open. This summer, I'm going to do everything I can to win that position."

During a ceremony at halftime, Weinke, a three-year starter, had his No. 16 retired and his locker sealed. He is the sixth former FSU player to have his jersey retired, and the eighth to have his locker sealed.

"That is truly an honor," Weinke said. "I have been fortunate to be a part of a lot of things, but to say that they retired my jersey, that is very special."